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Inside this issue

• INDEPENDENT BOYS’ SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

• OH STORIES

• NEWS FROM THE OLD

HAMPTONIANS’ ASSOCIATION

THE M AGAZINE FOR HA MPTON SCHOOL ALUMNI

HAMPTONIAN

THE

DECEMBER 2025

LIBERTÉ, ÉGALITÉ, MUSICALITÉ! The joint Hampton and LEH Senior School Musical Les Misérables was a triumph. A cast and crew of 77 pupils, supported by talented Hampton musicians, transported audiences to 19th century France for this iconic tale of love, loss, and revolution. From soaring solos to stirring ensemble numbers, this was a show that will be remembered for years to come.

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STAYING CONNECTED ALUMNI ENQUIRIES

To contact us, please get in touch via alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk and we will direct your enquiry to the most relevant person.

Our Hampton School Alumni LinkedIn group is the perfect way to stay in contact with Hamptonians, wherever you are in the world. To share news, network and find out more about alumni news and events, simply search Hampton School Alumni.

Instagram Instagram

Add Hampton School to your education in your profile and join our Hampton School Alumni group

Alumni website

Visit the alumni microsite on the School website: alumni.hamptonschool.org.uk

G N I P E E K H C U O T N I

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BR A N D

NEW MERC

H A ND ISE

SHOP

From the Development Director Dear Alumni and Friends of Hampton School As we approach the close of another exceptional term at Hampton, I am delighted to share news and reflections from our dynamic School community. Hampton continues to flourish thanks to the shared commitment of pupils, parents, staff, and alumni— each playing a vital role in ensuring that Hampton remains a forward-thinking, inclusive, and above all, happy environment. This year has brought many memorable moments, not least the extraordinary generosity shown during Giving Day in July. Your support reaffirmed the strength of Hampton’s values across our community. Every gift makes a profound difference through the Fitzwygram Foundation, enabling talented young people to access a Hampton education regardless of financial circumstances. Today, 96 Hamptonians benefit from means-tested Free Places—awards that transform lives, enrich our entire School community, and help Hampton remain one of the UK’s most socially diverse and inclusive independent schools. We are also deeply grateful to our alumni, whose expertise and career insights continue to inspire current Hamptonians. These connections strengthen lifelong bonds and enrich School life in countless ways. Our Alumni Office is always here to help maintain these links, and we warmly encourage you to stay connected and join us at reunions and events in the year ahead. On behalf of all of us at Hampton, thank you for your continued generosity and support. With warm regards Adriana Williams Development Director

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FROM THE ALUMNI AND FITZWYGR AM FOUNDATION OFFICE

INDEPENDENT

BOYS’ SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

This autumn term, many of you will have received the Foundation’s first annual appeal letter for Free Places.

SCHOOL

We’re delighted to share the news that Hampton has been named Boys’ School of the Year at the 2025 Independent Schools of the Year Awards!

BOYS’

of the Year

Following an inspirational Giving Day in July 2025, and as we come up to the tenth anniversary of its establishment, the Foundation is taking this important step to encourage our community to give at whatever level they feel able. Gifts of every size have and will continue to make a big difference to the lives of future Hamptonians.

Predictable funding means the Foundation can commit to multi-year bursaries, knowing that the resources will be there to see a pupil through their Hampton journey. For families who benefit, this continuity is invaluable—it’s not just a term or a year of opportunity, but the full Hampton experience. It also adds up – one person giving an average of £20 a month could fund up to two terms for a Free Place recipient through their lifetime giving. As one recent Free Place recipient, Aadam Shahzad OH (2023), expressed so poignantly: “Without the support of the School and the Fitzwygram Foundation, my life would certainly be completely different. Not a single person in the area of London where I live had ever been to Oxford, and yet thanks to my Free Place at Hampton here I am, about to graduate there in a year’s time.” As we look to the future, the need for Free Places remains as urgent as ever. By choosing to give regularly—whether monthly, quarterly or annually—you help us provide lifechanging opportunities, year after year. Thank you for considering this meaningful way to support the Fitzwygram Foundation. Your commitment today ensures that Hampton’s values of inclusivity and excellence will continue to thrive tomorrow.

Presenting the award, Chair of Judges Dr Helen Wright praised Hampton for encouraging pupils to embrace: “The best aspects of maleness with optimism, social responsibility and a lightness of touch.”

At Hampton, we believe that talent should never be limited by financial circumstances. The Fitzwygram Foundation exists to make this vision a reality by supporting Hampton’s means-tested Free Places programme for bright, deserving pupils. These opportunities are truly life-changing—opening doors to an exceptional education and a future filled with possibility. While every donation matters, regular gifts are especially powerful. Why? Because they provide the Foundation with a reliable, sustainable source of income. This stability allows us to plan confidently for the years ahead, ensuring that we can continue to offer Free Places to those who need them most. Regular giving creates a steady stream of support that transforms the Foundations’ aspirations into Free Place pupils’ achievements.

Judged by a panel of leading head teachers and educationalists, the prestigious ISOTY Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the sector – qualities that are found in abundance at Hampton.

This endorsement by the judging panel is testament to our talented pupils and the commitment, dedication and unstinting support of our teaching and support staff. Congratulations and well done to everyone at Hampton who contributed to this wonderful achievement.

Piece by Sam Ellis OH (2020), Fitzwygram Foundation Trustee and Hampton parent

Do you have an exciting experience or an incredible item you could offer to auction for Free Places? You might be a small business owner, have culinary skills you can share, or offer access to unique and memorable experiences. If you'd like to help us raise funds for Free Places through the Fitzwygram Foundation, get in touch with us to offer a prize for our upcoming online auction. Some amazing prizes - including a drumskin signed by Freddie Mercury (and Ozzy Osbourne, amongst other rock legends), a trip on the umpire's launch at Henley, and a voucher for a local gym have already been donated. We would love to have you on board, too! Email us at fitzwygram@hamptonschool.org.uk to offer a prize or find out more.

TALK! GLOBAL HEAD OF ECONOMICS AT DEUTSCHE BANK THURSDAY 25 SEPTEMBER

JIM REID OH (1992) ‘UNCOVERING THE FORCES DRIVING THE GLOBAL ECONOMY’ Jim Reid OH (1992) is one of global finance’s most respected analysts. It is, in part, due to his Hampton education that Jim discovered his passion for the world of finance after a lastminute A Level switch to Economics at Hampton in 1990 – two weeks into the autumn term. Now Head of Global Macro Research at Deutsche Bank, Jim’s insights shape decisions across markets. His daily ‘Early Morning Reid’ report is widely regarded as the most-read investment-bank research note on the Street, reaching tens of thousands of A-list financiers. A soughtafter media commentator, Jim blends economic history with sharp market analysis to make sense of the world today and the outlook for the future.

We were so lucky to hear Jim discuss his career and share his outlook on global markets and the key drivers of financial markets and the global economy in the years ahead.

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From Hanworth to Hampton David Cope OH (1982), Hampton School Alumnus (1974–1982)

I’d retired a few years earlier after a career in engineering and management consultancy, and I was looking for a meaningful way to give something back. What I found at St Richard’s was both inspiring and sobering: a school full of energy and commitment, but without a dedicated library – and many children without access to books at home. Together with the school, we set out to change that. Less than a year later, in April 2025, we proudly opened a brand-new library at St Richard’s – a vibrant space filled with books, colour, and excitement. The transformation was incredible. For many children, it was their first experience of a space devoted entirely to reading and imagination. It’s easy to think that the next generation are already lost to screens and games, but the excitement around the library and reading is truly inspiring. For me, it was the beginning of something bigger. That “something” is Fair Start, a registered charity (no. 1214138) founded in 2025 with a simple mission: to build libraries in schools facing book poverty, helping to give every child the fair start in life that a love of reading can bring. We stock the libraries with mainly donated books and also help the schools to run the library. St Richard’s now run toddler and parent reading mornings, an after school book club and a creative writing course for years 3 to 6. Our next project is just down the road from Hampton, at Buckingham Primary School in Hampton. Although just a few hundred yards from the school I once attended, the contrast is striking. At Buckingham Primary, 41% of pupils qualify for the Pupil Premium

In December 2024, John was awarded British Rowing’s Medal of Honour. The Medal of Honour was introduced in 1987 and is British Rowing’s highest award. It is awarded for Outstanding Service to Rowing.

A FAIR START FOR EVERY CHILD In 2024, over 40 years after leaving Hampton, I found myself walking through the gates of my old primary school, St Richard’s in Hanworth.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOHN HEDGER OH (1984)!

Grant. I was lucky enough to be the last year of grammar school entry to Hampton. The Fitzwygram foundation does an excellent job of still giving a select number of children the access to a Hampton education. The potential of the children at St Richard’s and Buckingham is a great as it ever was. What they need are the tools, the encouragement, and the opportunity. That’s where Fair Start comes in. By creating libraries in under-resourced schools, we aim to change the educational journey of hundreds of children – not just for a term or a year, but for a lifetime. Access to books is one of the most powerful ways to boost literacy, confidence, and long-term academic success. It’s a great return on investment. £20,000 with donated books turns a dull room into a beautiful library. I’m proud of my roots at Hampton School. It gave me an excellent education and the foundations for a rewarding career. Now, through Fair Start, I’m trying to pass some of that opportunity on. We are currently fundraising for our Buckingham Primary project, and we’d love your support – whether through donations, sponsorship, or simply spreading the word. To learn more or to get involved, please visit: www.fairstart.charity Because every child deserves the chance to fall in love with reading.

John was educated at Hampton School (1977-1984), where he rowed in the School 1st VIII before playing rugby at University College of Wales (Swansea) and studying at Mannheim University, Germany. John worked as a partner in a global accounting firm, was the M&A Director of Corus Group plc (formerly British Steel) and a Director of Bodycote plc before retiring. John qualified as a British Rowing national umpire in 1991 and was multi-lane endorsed in 1994. He served on the organising committee for the Fours Head and for the London Docklands Regatta. He was a member of the Thames Regional Umpiring Commission from 1994-1998 and a member of British Rowing’s MultiLane Umpiring Panel from 1999-2004, chairing it from 2004-2008 and again from 2011-2020. John became a licensed World Rowing (FISA) umpire in 1997 and served on the FISA Events Commission from 20042024, assisting at World Cups, World Championships and Olympic Games. John coordinated the National Technical Officials at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Regatta. He served on the World Rowing Rules Working Group from 2021-2024.

John was the Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committees for both the 2005 World Cup and the 2006 World Championships at Dorney Lake, Eton and President of the Jury at the Coupe de la Jeunesse in 2005 and at the World Cup at Eton Dorney in 2013. John was appointed as the independent selector for the Great Britain men’s rowing team from 2021-2025. He is an accredited technical classifier for British para-athletes, and also a Trustee of the Fitzwygram Foundation, which supports Free Places at Hampton. John was elected a Steward of Henley Royal Regatta in December 2008 and you may have spotted him umpiring the Visitors' Challenge Cup race immediately before Hampton's semi-final at Henley this year. In this Visitors' semi-final between Molesey B.C. & Holstebro Roklub and Oxford Brookes University, the former protested the steering of the latter's crew which had crossed the line one and a quarter lengths ahead of them. John raised the white flag after some deliberation amongst the Stewards in the launch.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN! Martin Carter OH (1977) graduates from Cambridge… over 40 years after leaving Hampton! Auguri and félicitations, Martin! “I have just completed my degree in French and Italian after four years of ‘head down’ at the University of Cambridge where I have somehow managed to rabbit out a very satisfying 68.9%, a hair’s breadth from a First. If anybody tells you that learning foreign languages is beyond the over 60s, tell them it simply isn’t true and to stop making excuses not to get started - I didn’t get going properly until I’d turned 60. I have enjoyed a phenomenally enriching experience, studying alongside the most invigorating of brilliant ‘whizz kids’ many of whom have become lifelong friends. I have acted in a series of plays and films with some super talented ‘Generation Zedders’ although, admittedly, I had a very strong USP! In Wuthering Heights, my Earnshaw died on stage - I was beginning to think they’d had enough of me! Of course, the whole study package isn’t just about language learning – the majority of the work is centred on the literature, culture and history of each country and I had the privilege of studying such aspects at the Université Paul Valéry Montpellier and the Università degli Studi di Genova during my year abroad, the third year of the course. “Without a doubt, it has been the best four years of my life.”

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ADAM SWANN Lieutenant Commander Adam Swann OH (1999) (left) welcomes Midshipman Joel Booth OH (2020) to the Royal Navy as Midshipman Booth passes out of Britannia Royal Naval College and commissions as a Royal Naval Officer. Lieutenant Commander Swann said “It is great to see another Old Hamptonian joining the Royal Navy. I hope that Joel’s career is as exciting as mine. My Royal Navy career has taken me all over the world and I hope that more Hamptonians look at the opportunities in the Royal Navy as it is a fantastic career.” Having completed his Officer training, Midshipman Booth now goes on to his training to be an Air Engineering Officer. Lieutenant Commander Swann has been a Naval Tutor and has been teaching international relations and geostrategic studies at Britannia Royal Naval College since July 2023 and joins the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth in December.

SPOTTED AT MATRICULATION Isaac Tarragano OH (2025) and Ben Taskis OH (2025) snapped this photo when they matriculated this year at their college, Christ’s College, in Cambridge.

WEDDINGS Jonah Blake OH (2022) was married this year. Guests from his year group included: Sohan Sodhi, Sam Evans, Jonah Blake, Luke Paskin, Fergus Briston, Tom AvantSmith, Tom De Gruchy, Billy Hutchings, Fergus Maceacharn, Alex Dinan, Xander Wright, Sam Colvine.

Hampton Goes To The USA Covering Chicago, New York, Baltimore and Washington DC, this October’s first Hampton alumni trip to the USA brought together over 20 OHs ranging in years from 1953 to 2022. Following a coffee with Oliver Arscott OH (2008) in the ‘Windy City’, Headmaster, Kevin Knibbs, and Development Director Adriana Williams hosted an animated dinner in New York. Gerald Homes OH (1953) shared memories of post-war Hampton whilst Frank Rahmattallah OH (2022) joined the group whilst on his year abroad studying in Pennsylvania, with everyone commenting on how, despite the differences in ages, their common Hampton experience brought

them together. Hampton and Fitzwygram Foundation Ambassador David Martinelli OH (1987) sponsored some Hampton goodies in the form of branded water bottles and baseball caps, and pledged to reconvene the East Coast Hamptonians for regular events over the coming year. The next stop was Baltimore to reconnect with Karl Hudspith OH (2006), followed by a breakfast meeting with OHs in DC. Despite the Government shutdown, OHs met to network with one another and be updated on the progress of the School. Particular thanks to Subodh Nayar OH (1985) who not only came to this event, but will also be travelling to London later this week for a Class of 1985 reunion organised by his classmates. Whatever the distance, whether measured in years or miles, this trip reminded us of a permanent truth: once a Hamptonian, always a Hamptonian!

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CLASS OF 2015 ‘TEN YEARS ON’ REUNION

We were delighted to welcome back the Class of 2015 who returned to Hampton in remarkable numbers to celebrate a decade since their school days. The turnout was a testament to the enduring spirit of the year group, and it was lovely to see so many Old Hamptonians gathered to reminisce about their time at school and share stories of the paths they’ve taken since. It was heartwarming to have many former staff members present, who were thrilled to catch up with their past pupils and hear about their lives after Hampton. We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2015 to future alumni events.

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BRISTOL OH REUNION LUNCH On 11 October, a merry and multigenerational group of Old Hamptonians—ranging in age from 18 to 89—gathered for our very first Bristol reunion lunch. Held at the welcoming Cosy Club, age barriers were quickly broken down and ideas and experiences exchanged. The conversation and laughter continued until well after 3.30pm and, such was the success of the event, we are already planning the same again next year! Put it in your diaries: Bristol reunion October 2026.

CITY AND LEGAL NETWORKING EVENT

Current pupils and OHs gathered in the heart of the City to network with one another this November. Our particular thanks to Ian Craigie OH (1999), who hosted this event and spoke passionately about the variety of careers open to pupils in the City and in Law. The event was eye-opening for pupils and recent leavers alike, giving them a unique insight into the options available to them.

CAMBRIDGE LUNCH FOR OHS In November, Physics teacher Mrs White hosted a small group of OHs at Cambridge for lunch. Thank you to Ben, Sohan, Cameron and Alex who came along! "Conversation ranged from how they were finding the course to the merits of owning a minifridge to which colleges require gowns for formal hall. The boys swapped notes on lecturers and supervisions and what to expect in later years and the current challenges of applying for jobs in Engineering. They were really keen to hear stories from Hampton - especially about their teacher’s past and present reminiscing over lessons and school trips."

Roars from the Archives: Mulberry Tree The mulberry tree (Morus nigra) that grows in the Cloisters at Hampton School, was originally planted in the Headmaster’s garden, at the Upper Sunbury Road site, in about 1929. The tree was planted there by Mr A. S. Mason (Headmaster 1924-1950). When the School relocated to its current site on Hanworth Road in 1939, the tree was moved to its current position. After transplanting it, Mr Mason commented that ‘Given freedom from drastic damage there is no reason why it should not live to see Hampton Grammar School three centuries older than it now is.’ Following Mr Mason’s prediction, as we approach the first century since its relocation, the tree (alike the School) continues to grow and flourish.

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VE DAY

Poppies To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, School Archivist, Miss Munday, worked with current pupils to create a representative display of 196 ceramic poppies to honour the Schools fallen.

Alongside the poppy installation, an exhibition illustrating the role of Hampton School during the two world wars is now on display in the School’s museum area. Miss Munday said that ‘through connecting real stories, artefacts, and experiences, we hope this project will deepen our pupils’ understanding of the conflicts in a tangible and meaningful way’.

The handmade poppies, created by First Year pupils during their art lessons, are arranged around the School’s historic Mulberry Tree – itself planted at the outset of World War Two. Each poppy represents one of the 196 Hamptonians named on the School’s Honour Roll.

A Hamptonian (unfortunately unknown) donated a genuine poppy that was taken from Flanders Field. Carefully pressed and preserved within paper, this rare and treasured artefact within the Schools Archive acts as a reminder of the sacrifice of all those who have served in conflict.

The design of the installation drew inspiration from the iconic Tower of London’s ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ exhibition. Head of Art, Mrs Karen Williams, said the project was ‘a moving tribute to the Hamptonians who gave their lives in the Wars, and a way for current pupils to connect with the School’s history’.

When the School relocated to its current site on Hanworth Road in 1939, the iconic Mulberry tree was relocated from the Headmaster’s Garden at Upper Sunbury Road, to its current position, within the Cloisters.

Tom Grieveson WW2 history As part of the national commemoration of the 80 years since the end of the Second World War, many have reflected on the brave service of their loved ones during these unprecedented times. School Governor, Michael Grieveson, has proudly shared the actions of his father – Tom Grieveson. Aged just 17, Tom signed up to support the war effort as a member of the RAF. After a period of training, his active service began in early 1945 as a Navigator bomber

on Mosquitos with 692 Squadron. Based at Graveley Airfield, Tom bravely flew 30 combat missions; more than over half of which were over Berlin. Reporting to The Journal in 2012, Tom recalled that despite the undoubted trepidation of entering such a geographical hot spot in the conflict, “we just got on with it. It was our job”. At the end of the conflict, Tom took an active part in the Nations celebrations, when he flew his Mosquito past Big Ben (the circled plane). Latterly, on the 70th anniversary of D-Day in June 2014, the French President announced that all British veterans, who fought for the liberation of France during the Second World War, would be awarded the Légion d’honneur. Aged 92 years old, Tom was in receipt of his medal. From soldiers to school children – the stories and memories of those who lived through this period in our history, are a poignant reminder of the service and sacrifice of those in wartime.

Tuesday, 8 May 1945 was named Victory in Europe Day to celebrate the formal acceptance by the Allies of Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces. After six long years of fighting, this day was undoubtedly a cause for both considerable celebration and reflection. Communities, across Europe came together to share the peace-time celebrations. To mark the occasion in Britain, a national holiday was declared on 8 May. Various events were organised to mark the occasion, including parades, thanksgiving services and street parties. London’s St Paul’s Cathedral held ten consecutive services giving thanks for peace, each one attended by thousands of people. On VE Day, an estimated 50,000 people were crowded around Piccadilly Circus by midnight. Music was provided

by gramophones, accordions and barrel organs, and revellers sang and danced to the popular tunes of the day. Amongst the party atmosphere was Mr David G. Franklin OH (1942), armed with his camera. A keen photographer, David had been a pupil at Hampton Grammar School from 1938 to 1942. His generous donation of his prized photograph albums to the School Archive, provides not only an invaluable insight into this historic event, but also life in and around Hampton during the conflict. Alongside the images of the VE Day celebrations, Davids’s collection of photographs also includes images of the School, its staff, and its community, as well as some of the former Headmaster, Mr Mason. Breathing new life into history, these images give our current pupils a relatable insight into what life was like at Hampton during this time.

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INTRODUCING THE

HAMPTON

BLEND Fourth Year pupil and tea aficionado Gabriel created a unique blend for Hampton School.

GCSE RESULTS

Hamptonians were on cloud nine as they celebrated the School’s best-ever GCSE results, achieving an extraordinary 1,294 grade 9s. An impressive 84% of all grades awarded were 9–8 (A* equivalent), and 96% were 9–7 (A*–A), reflecting the outstanding commitment and talent of Fifth Year Hamptonians.

“

This multi-talented year group has impressed across all areas of School life and fully embraced what it means to be a Hamptonian. The Headmaster, Kevin Knibbs

TALK!

We welcomed a range of guest speakers to Hampton this term.

A LEVEL SUCCESS

The Class of 2025 celebrated an exceptional set of A Level results. Over half the year group achieved a clean sweep of top grades (A* or A) with 72% of all grades awarded at A*–A and over 91% at A*–B. These superb results enabled our Leavers to secure places on prestigious courses at leading universities across the UK and overseas.

Global Head of Economics at Deutsche Bank, Jim Reid OH (1992), spoke about the influences shaping the worldwide economy; Kyle Odefey introduced audiences to the brave new world of AI avatars; and historian Helen Castor offered an illuminating insight into the life and reign of Elizabeth I.

SCIENCE

ISSP

RECORD

The Hampton Blend a mix of oolong, green and black teas - is a tasty and refreshing brew that has been a hit with all who have sampled it.

DAY

The annual ISSP Science Day welcomed Year 9 pupils from local partner schools for a day of hands-on discovery. The young scientists’ experiments, ranged from testing the effect of pH on enzymes to designing hot air balloons to understand upthrust.

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CROSS COUNTRY Hampton entered three age-group teams for the Richmond Schools’ Cross Country Competition held in Bushy Park.

In perfect weather conditions, junior runners excelled with First Years Arthur and Bertie selected to represent Richmond in the Middlesex Schools’ Championships.

Plaudits also to our U13s who brought home the Plate after remaining unbeaten in the 2025 Middlesex Cup.

Hamptonians excelled at this year’s Kingston Festival.

Lower Sixth musician Samuel won the Rowland Howells Cup as well as the David Speed Andrew's Cup for an exceptional vocal performance. Samuel was also a member of the Clarinet Ensemble which took home two awards including the Addison Denny Rosebowl.

Hampton’s musicians and choristers ushered in the festive season with three spectacular Christmas Concerts.

Congratulations to Lower Sixth Former Stanley on selection for England Rugby’s U18 Men’s Pathway development team.

Stanley has also been a member of the Harlequins’ youth scheme since the age of 14.

KINGSTON FESTIVAL

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

RUGBY

FOOTBALL

Our footballers are on fine form with many teams competing in the final stages of the ISFA and ESFA national competitions. The First XI kicked off the season with victory in the 2025 ISFA National Football Sixes tournament and currently sit at the top of the HUDL league.

Over 330 Hamptonians showcased their outstanding musical talent in our ensembles and choirs. Highlights included the First Year Choir’s joyful rendition of The Most Wonderful Time of the Year and impressive solo performances by Upper Sixth musicians Leo and Jian, accompanied by the 60-strong Symphony Orchestra.

BASKETBALL

Basketball continues to grow in popularity at Hampton with 100 boys now regularly playing across the year groups. Recent highlights have seen wins for the senior team in the Surrey League, and the U12s reaching the finals of the Richmond Borough Basketball Tournament.

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OHACC Season Summary 2025

Rowing

The 2025 season was a successful one for the Old Hamptonians’ Cricket Club, both on and off the field.

Eton Old Blades Recap

In the league, the 1st XI bounced back from last year’s disappointment to secure promotion back to Division 1 of the Surrey Championship. The 2nd XI held their own in a newly restructured Division 4, finishing solidly mid-table against strong opposition including several 1st XIs. On the adjacent pitch, the 3rd XI claimed back-to-back titles, while the 4th XI were unfortunate to just miss out on promotion themselves. Away from league cricket, the U21s had an excellent season in Surrey’s top tier, narrowly missing out on the semi-finals. Both the 1st and 2nd XIs enjoyed strong T20 cup runs, highlighted by the 1st XI’s memorable win over Sunbury at Dean Road. The 5th XI also enjoyed another positive season, completing over a dozen fixtures with a winning record. These achievements were all the more impressive given the loss of several key players to injury and emigration. Recruitment therefore became crucial across the club. Pre-season saw the arrivals of James Kinder, Mayank Dasannacharya OH (2020) and Joe Banks into the senior

setup. The major boost, however, came through U21s captain Leo Hartley OH (2024), whose efforts brought a wave of talented Hampton School players into the club. The number of current sixth formers representing OHACC passed into double figures for the first time in eight years — including School captain Anuj Srivastav OH (2025), whose runs at the top of the order proved vital in the 1st XI promotion push. Off the field, the club continued to thrive. The Brian Gray Memorial Six-a-Side raised £500 for Mind and boosted club funds while remaining one of the most enjoyable days in the calendar. A 20-strong touring party headed to Leeds, and the club social atmosphere remains one of the best in Surrey. Thank you to all members, volunteers and supporters for their contributions throughout 2025, with particular recognition to ‘Clubman of the Year’ and 1st XI captain Rob Bentley OH (2015). Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to see how the 1st and 3rd XIs adapt to their new divisions and have genuine ambitions for deep cup runs — particularly in the U21 and Cricketer’s Cup competitions. Above all, we remain committed to maintaining the club spirit and unity that defines OHACC.

At the end of 2025, we wanted to reflect on the past year and look ahead to our plans for 2026.

Two crews representing Hampton Lions’ Boat Club (HLBC) raced at the Eton Old Blades Regatta, one formed from graduates from the 1990s, and another crew from leavers over the past seven years. Both crews raced valiantly, and (following some technical issues) progressed to the B final. This set up a monumental battle between the two Hampton crews, where the young guns managed to beat the more experienced crew in the final. It was great to have so many alumni across different years racing each other and representing HLBC!

Upcoming events Head of the River Saturday 28 March 2026 We will be looking to enter an eight into the Head of the River next year, to mark Hampton Lions’ first participation in a British Rowing event! Further details of how to sign up will be shared soon, and crews will be organised by Tom Worthington (OH 2017). To keep up with the latest news, join our WhatsApp chat using the link on the School’s website. Hampton Lions’ BC Dinner 2026 Saturday 3 October 2026 We can confirm the Hampton Lions’ BC Dinner for Saturday 3 October 2026 at the School. This black-tie dinner will be the first dinner since 2016, and will also mark the 70th anniversary of the creation of HSBC. Further details and how to purchase tickets will be shared in the coming months.

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OHRFC Season Review 2024-25 OHRFC couldn’t make it back-to-back league titles in 2024-25, but achieved a “three-peat” of promotions as we clinched a place in Counties 2 Surrey for next season. The club has returned to the eighth tier of English rugby, the joint highest level in our history, having re-entered the RFU pyramid at level 12 in 2021. A restructuring at the end of that season has been followed by league titles in Counties 5 and 4 Surrey, and though we fell narrowly short this season, Worth Old Boys were worthy title winners. They beat us home and away, losing just one game all season to end a long wait to claim the title they had been searching for several seasons, with a 20-6 victory at Reeds Weybridge and 17-20 reverse at Dean Road. But once again we took huge strides forward, enough so that we claimed our place with Worth in the league above for the following year. For the third season in a row, we started with four straight wins. The fact that three of those were away was no bother, with a 22-0 win at Effingham & Leatherhead preceding bonus point victories at home to Law Society and away to London Exiles. We then followed up with a long awaited and famous win at Streatham-Croydon, ending a run of defeats at Frant Road stretching back to 2021.

Though we lost to fellow unbeaten side Old Johnians and previously-mentioned champions Worth, we had seen off Warlingham and London Media in the middle of those games. We beat Economicals to remain in the hunt for a promotion spot at Christmas, crucially battling past Old Georgians 12-10 at a freezing Dean Road before completing the double over Law Society and London Exiles to ensure we would be in the top two heading into 2026. We only trailed Worth by two points. We had accrued 49 in total, with eight four-try bonus point victories, two wins without a bonus point, one defeat with a losing bonus point and one without. It was a remarkable showing to get to that point still so much in contention having started the campaign believing the best we could hope for was a mid table finish after promotion the season before. We had made it to the New Year in second and in the process bagged a place in the Papa Johns Cup Counties 3 and below Championship (the top tier of the level 9 and below competition) for a third time on the trot. But the reality of over excelling yourselves is sometimes things can catch up to you, and that was our reality in January 2025 as disciplinary issues and some vintage performances from opposition led to our first losses at Dean Road since 2021. Old Johnians fought back from 29-7 down to win 31-29 before Streatham-Croydon avenged our earlier victory the following week.

A victory against Warlingham steadied the ship, and we had our eyes back on the title after holding off a second half fight back by London Media to score over 50 for the first time in a 52-24 thumping at Battersea Park. The game that followed against Worth Old Boys felt like our biggest in years, the chance to complete an epic hat-trick of league titles and fly into Counties 2 in style. Alas, we went 15-0 down, and could’ve been further adrift, after the eventual champions showed their class in the first half hour. Though we fought back brilliantly to lead 17-15 halfway through the second half, they completed the win with a late try to all-but secure the Counties 3 crown. That was gone, but we still had a promotion to chase, and a 69-24 thumping of Economicals showed our intent ahead of our decisive showdown with Old Georgians, five points behind us with two games to go. It proved to be one of our greatest performances in years, with this year’s Player’s Player of the Season, Thom Braun going over along with 2022-2023 recipient Louis Goodwin OH (2020) and 2023-2024 winner Billy Franklin OH (2019) for a 19-0 lead, before Oli Taylor OH (2024) knocked over a penalty and got a try of his own for a 29-0 advantage at the break. Top try scorer of the season Pip Bird added another before Pat Silcox OH (2020) and Jacob Turley OH (2017) took us to 50 points with Georgians scoring just 12 in response. It was a famous victory that will live long in the memory and meant we were back in Level 8 for the first time since 2011. A final day defeat to Effingham & Leatherhead and first round exit in the cup to Thamesians followed, but we would still have time to write more history as we went on tour for the first time in 20 years. Newcastle was the destination, and after a 48-48 draw at Seghill we went to Gateshead FC, Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle greyhound track on an action-packed and hugely enjoyable weekend that was a fitting way to bring down the curtain on another successful campaign. Alongside Player’s Player Thom Braun and top try scorer Pip Bird, Fletcher Kipps would pick up Chairman’s Player of the Season for his superb ball-carrying all season and Matt Oxborrow OH (2014) would earn the Clubman of the Year award for his longstanding service to the club, with fellow front rower Iestyn Humphrey OH (2021) winning Young Player of the Year.

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IN MEMORIAM We commemorate and pay tribute to the lives of alumni, staff and friends of Hampton School who are no longer with us. If you would like to share an obituary for publication, please contact us at alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk

on our website under ‘News’ called ‘In Memoriam’. This will hold all obituaries, memories and pictures of those OHs, past colleagues and friends of the School who have passed away. These pages can be added to as the memories come in to us, and will be published for one year following the publication of their obituary in The Hamptonian. If you would like to add a picture or a memory, please email alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk or write to us at the School.

In order to honour as many members of our community as possible, as fully as we can, a new page has been created

All the individuals mentioned in these obituary pages are published on the In Memoriam page on our website at alumni.hamptonschool.org.uk/news/in-memoriam

CHRIS CROISDALE OH (2004) Chris passed away on Saturday 18 October 2025 in Victoria, Australia, following a heart attack. Chris was at Hampton from 1999 to 2004 and was an avid footballer. Our thoughts are with Chris’ family and friends.

Les passed away aged 81. He was a keen cricketer and Denis Fuller OH (1961) informs us that the entrance gates to the Sunbury cricket club, known as the Harold Woods gates after Les’ father, have recently been restored and are to be renamed the Harold and Les Woods gates following Les’ death.

MICHAEL MILLARD OH (1959)

PROFESSOR JOHN LUCAS OH (1961) Colin Jones OH (1952) Clifford Stevens OH (1962) Andrew Codling OH (1986)

22 APRIL 1944-28 AUGUST 2025 Brian not only represented the Rugby Club in the 1st XV for decades but also stepped over the boundary line for the cricket club. Following his playing career, Brian took over the Bar Manager position at Old Hamptonians’, a position he maintained for over 20 years. “Brian was a strong personality but a team player in every sense, always willing to shoulder extra duties when volunteers were needed. As his subsequent contribution to the OHA confirmed he was very conscious of the privilege of gaining a place in Hampton Grammar School (HGS) in its comparatively brief period within the State system.”

LES WOOD OH (1962)

Michael Millard, brother of David Millard OH (1956), passed away on 16 September 2025 aged 84. On leaving school he spent all his working life in Local Government and finished up in a very senior position with the London Borough of Kingston and he always attributed his success to being an Old Hamptonian. His funeral took place at Hanworth Crematorium in October.

We have been made aware of the passing of the following OHs:

BRIAN LITTLEJOHN OH (1961)

John was a distinguished literary scholar, poet, critic, and publisher. He authored numerous works of poetry, fiction, and literary criticism, and founded Shoestring Press in 1994. A professor of English at several universities, he made significant contributions to British literary life over many decades.

WRITTEN BY RICH BROWN OH (2005) AND ANDREW GLYN-JONES OH (1984): Brian Littlejohn was synonymous with the Old Hamptonians’, a man whose presence from his school days until the final day of his role as Pavilion manager showed him to be one of the most committed of the School’s alumni. Brian gained a place at School during the Grammar School days; he was academically sound and proud of this achievement. Stories suggest he was happy to remind his brother, Roy and mother and father on many occasions. He joined a school with like-minded boys who shared his love for the game of rugby. Brian was a regular member of a strong school 1st XV with several players going on to represent first division clubs. Brian was physically developed and used this to his advantage whether deployed in the pack or occasionally at full back. At the Old Hamptonians’, from the early 60s, Brian was a regular prop for the 1st XV. He was good at every element of the game, scrummaging, lineout support, strength in the mauls and superb handling skills. In addition, Brian was fast and a clean ball striker which meant he moved to full back for the 1st XV. There is often a relief when you walk into a changing room to see certain individuals getting ready for a game. A team player, reliable and talented, whilst Brian was not an innate leader and did not have a naturally outgoing personality, he was a very thoughtful player and after matches would often

go and speak to the referees. He continued in this vein after his playing days, welcoming local officials ensuring they were hosted suitably pre- and post-match. For 36 years Brian ran the clubhouse with meticulous attention to detail for the financials and reported back to the committee with a straightforward manner that is sometimes missing from today’s modern society. His relationship with conduit and dedicated OH, Subhash Kamath OH (1972), was something to behold, at times bickering but working together for the betterment of all things Old Hamptonian. Brian will have welcomed many thousands of visitors and OHs through the doors of the pavilion. Whether you were playing your first game after leaving School, coming in for a drink with your friends, or a regular patron, you will always remember Brian’s welcome. We remember Brian for his commitment, resoluteness, and dedication to OH pavilion matters. Never a sick day, dependable, and with that, impressive in his steadfast nature.

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Upcoming Events

06 MARCH 2026

MARCH 2026

03 JUNE 2026

19 JUNE 2026

Cambridge Dinner 2026 We are delighted to invite OH’s that attended/live in Cambridge to join us at the Hampton School Cambridge Dinner on Friday 6 March at Jesus College, Cambridge. A drinks reception will begin at 7.30pm, followed by a three-course meal and coffee at 8.00pm. Partners and spouses are welcome! Tickets are limited and must be purchased before Monday 10 February.

NEW YORK OH DRINKS RECEPTION Join David Martinelli OH (1987) for evening drinks at the Refinery Rooftop in New York. Open to alumni from Hampton, LEH and their guests.

2026 Hammond Society Day All those who notify us that they intend to remember the School or the Fitzwygram Foundation in their Will are invited to become members of the Hammond Society. The Society is named for Robert Hammond, whose original legacy started Hampton School. The Hammond Society Day is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate members’ impact on Hampton School and its pupils. It is a chance for us to thank you and for you to meet current pupils and see the difference you make at Hampton. This year we are delighted to invite members to a talk on the School Archives, followed by a performance, before lunch overlooking the playing fields.

2026 Five Years on 2021 reunion The Class of 2021 are invited to celebrate their five years on reunion with their classmates and teachers at The White Horse Pub in Richmond on the evening of Wednesday 3 June 2026. Sign up before Friday 29 May at 12.00 noon for your first drink on Hampton. Light refreshments will be served.

2026 Cricket Lunch 50 Years On Join us to watch the OHACC vs the School XI play in our annual match. Open to Hampton Cricketers who left in or before 1976. Lunch included.

To sign up, please visit alumni.hamptonschool.org.uk alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk • 020 8979 5526